Solomon dealt to Kings

By

Marc J. Spears

February 19, 2009

The Will Solomon era in Boston is over little more than an hour after it began.

The Celtics have sent Solomon, a point guard acquired from the Toronto Raptors shortly before the 3 p.m. trading deadline in exchange for center Patrick O’Bryant, to the Sacramento Kings for a heavily protected second-round draft pick. According to sources, the deal is formally a three-way swap.

“Nothing real exciting,” Celtics president Danny Ainge said about the team’s maneuvering before the deadline. “Just creating a roster spot.” Ainge added that the Celtics didn’t come close to acquiring any players today.

The Celtics now have 13 players on the roster, leaving two open roster spots to add free agents if they so choose. Ainge declined specific comments about potential free agents, but don’t be surprised if the Celtics keep an eye on whether Oklahoma City forward Joe Smith and suspended New York guard Stephon Marbury ever get bought out of their deals.

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“Free agents will come into play now and over the next couple of weeks,” Ainge said.

As for the player who departed today, the 7-foot O’Bryant played sparingly in his first season with Boston and third in the NBA overall. The 22-year-old averaged 1.5 points in 26 games for the Celtics after arriving as a free agent from Golden State in the offseason.

Said O’Bryant’s agent, Andy Miller, “We appreciate the opportunity that Danny has given Patrick. This will be a good situation for him and provide him with a chance to play.”

Earlier in the day, O’Bryant was thought to be heading to the Kings in a move to create salary-cap space, but instead it evolved into a three-way deal with Toronto.

Sacramento-bound Solomon, 30, is averaging 4.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per game in 39 games during his second NBA season. The 6-foot-1-inch, 180-pound Hartford native — who is nicknamed “The King” — had perhaps his top performance Nov. 16 versus Miami, with 15 points and 11 assists.

In other Celtics news:

Ainge confirmed that the Celtics have recalled rookie guard J.R. Giddens from their NBA Development League affiliate Utah Flash. Giddens has appeared in 15 games for the Flash this season averaging 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.27 steals, and 1.40 blocks.

An NBA source also said the Celtics are interested in veteran center Calvin Booth, who just was acquired by the Kings from Minnesota. Boston could pursue Booth as a free agent if he is waived.

Also, the Kings have waived forward Mikki Moore, who might appeal to the Celtics. The well-traveled 10-year veteran played three games for Boston during the 2002-03 season.